Xavi after the defeat in Vallecas: “We didn’t compete well” | sports

“We didn’t play a good game, we didn’t feel comfortable at any time and we didn’t compete as the match requires. Excellent intensity was needed and they have more”, Xavi admitted after the loss in Vallecas (2-1) in an alarming manner despite the large difference in points available to Barcelona. To raise the league The Catalan team missed the opportunity to advance 14 on Madrid and get closer to Alieron in a league that, in the opinion of the Barcelona coach, is not long, but “it is difficult to win.”

Despite the hope that Pedri would return to the starting lineup, far from his best version and be replaced by Casey in the 69th minute, the Catalan team’s match in attack was very flat. Only at the end, when fatigue made Rayo back off, did Xavi see options to get something positive out of Vallecas. “In the first half hour we misused the long pass and lost more balls than usual,” said the visiting coach, who lamented the failure of his team’s five shots on goal (compared to Rayo’s seven).

Intensity and suffocating pressure were the keys to Xavi El Raista’s victory. “I don’t want to think we’re resting. I think it’s very difficult to win the league. It’s a difficult stadium and it’s difficult for us to create chances and play. I’m angry because it looked like Rayo had more on the line than us and the players as well. It’s a defeat that bothers us, but there’s only one day left and that’s it.” It’s a relief,” added the coach, who insisted it was not a problem of behaviour: “We tried to the end with persistence and courage, but there I just congratulate the opponent. This time there was no talk about the state of the field and Xavi did not object to Rayo’s victory.

Neither the starting 11 nor the changes worked for Xavi, who hopes to return to the match against Atletico Madrid soon. Left Raista band, L band.Os Garcia (Fran and Alvaro), it was a gold mine. This is where the two domestic goals come in. Xavi sent Balde there after entering Jordi Alba, but the team continued without solutions in attack and weak in defense. “We have to achieve more and the advantage in the league is no excuse. We can’t sleep, ”the coach pointed out.

At Rayo, Andoni Iraola with virtual salvation in his pocket highlighted his team’s work with and without the ball: “We did an exciting job from the start and in the transitions we hurt them. The only way to compete against these rivals is to take risks and persevere. If this is the most complete match for me with Rayo I’ll have to see it,” he commented.

This is the second time this season that the Catalan team has conceded more than one goal in the league. Only Real Madrid (3-1) in the first leg managed to beat Ter Stegen more than once in the same match. It happened in Vallecas, with a wonderful touching Full House atmosphere that sang Ulysses Before Barcelona in which they took action. “The giant killer is back. It’s a pleasure to play here,” Fran Garcia, author of the second goal and future Real Madrid player next season, concluded with pleasure.

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